7 bold Washington Commanders predictions at the Buccaneers in Week 1
By Dean Jones
Jamin Davis gains 2 sacks
It was a rollercoaster offseason for Jamin Davis. The Washington Commanders switched the linebacker to more of an edge rushing role in the pursuit of maximizing the athletic gifts at his disposal. It was a gradual process with so much new information to take on, but the signs were positive as the summer progressed.
Davis was on the field a lot during the preseason. This led many to speculate whether the former first-round pick was on the roster bubble. However, it was to provide the transitioning player with as much experience as possible before the regular season.
What the future holds for Davis is unclear. Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. will likely deploy the Kentucky product as a situational edge rusher. He's got the physical tools needed to make a big difference, especially within a more expansive scheme under improved coaches.
If Davis can hit the ground running in Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a sack or two, it represents a strong step in the right direction. It'll also vindicate the coaching staff's decision to move him away from the defensive second level.
Cade York hits last-secoond field goal for Commanders win
The Commanders had to deal with some difficult circumstances at the kicking position this offseason. Brandon McManus was signed and quickly released. Ramiz Ahmed wasn't up to the required standard. Riley Patterson - claimed off waivers from the Jacksonville Jaguars - was inconsistent and cut after a few short weeks.
This led general manager Adam Peters to take drastic action. The Commanders sent a conditional seventh-round selection to the Cleveland Browns for Cade York, who enjoyed a phenomenal start to his career but tailed off dramatically.
It's another gamble, especially considering York didn't kick in a competitive environment last season and couldn't beat out Dustin Hopkins for the starting job this summer. He's made an impressive start to life in Washington, but the acid test is coming.
York needs to display assured production in a pressurized setting, starting in Week 1 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If the former fourth-round selection out of Ohio State can his a last-second field goal to give Washington the win, his confidence will rightfully soar.
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